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About WG Hoarding Response

The Wellington Guelph Hoarding Response (WGHR) represents a committed group of organizations in Guelph Wellington that have come together to provide support and resources for persons with hoarding challenges. Together we continue to build capacity to support each other and situations where home safety is compromised due to clutter. 

What is Hoarding?

The term “hoarding” has a lot of stigma.

People often associate it with uncleanliness, laziness and poor housekeeping, but this is not the case at all. Most people who have a large number of items in their home have thinking patterns that make it difficult for them to sort, organize and get rid of items. It is different for each person, and often is quite complicated.

The word “hoarding” is often used to describe a person’s home that has such a large number of items that the amount of livable space is significantly reduced. In recent years, researchers have started using the term to describe certain behaviours and emotional responses that lead to the build up of items in the home.  

Michelle-Character

What is Hoarding?

The term “hoarding” has a lot of stigma.

People often associate it with uncleanliness, laziness and poor housekeeping, but this is not the case at all. Most people who have a large number of items in their home have thinking patterns that make it difficult for them to sort, organize and get rid of items. It is different for each person, and often is quite complicated.

The word “hoarding” is often used to describe a person’s home that has such a large number of items that the amount of livable space is significantly reduced. In recent years, researchers have started using the term to describe certain behaviours and emotional responses that lead to the build up of items in the home. 

Between 2% and 6%

of all people are challenged by clutter buildup1

Harm Reduction Strategies work sheet cover
Hover of HOMES Assessment

Resources and Support

The WGHR provides support and resources for service providers; family and loved ones of people with hoarding challenges; and people who have hoarding challenges. On our site you will find:

The WGHR Coordinator can consult on specific situations over the phone, and link you to appropriate programs and services. Every situation is different.

Recognizing Hoarding

Start by asking yourself these questions:

If you can answer yes to these questions, you (or someone you know) may be struggling with hoarding.

Living Room Clutter

Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is a helpful framework for service providers and loved ones who want to help their family member. 

The Harm Reduction Approach focuses on Health, Safety and Comfort. It is not necessary for a person to stop all hoarding behaviour. The goal is to reduce safety risks by working together.

Key Safety Risks include

How You Can Help

There are many ways that you can support someone with a hoarding concern. Every situation is different, and the kinds of help that someone wants or needs will be different, too. It is important to help the person in the way that they want to be helped, even if you do not agree with their choices.

1American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

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